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cathartic (kә-thahr´tik)   causing emptying of the bowels.
  an agent that so acts; called also evacuant and purgative.
  producing emotional catharsis.
 

bulk cathartic  one stimulating bowel evacuation by increasing fecal volume.

lubricant cathartic  one that acts by softening the feces and reducing friction between them and the intestinal wall.

saline cathartic  one that increases fluidity of intestinal contents by retention of water by osmotic forces, and indirectly increases motor activity.

stimulant cathartic  one that directly increases motor activity of the intestinal tract.





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